Gopher setter Mia Tabberson shaved her head to raise awareness for pediatric cancer

Oct. 29, 2012

More than 100 people affiliated with Gopher Athletics shaved their heads in Bierman Gym today to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer research. Paired with St. Baldrick's Foundation and Great Clips, the Gophers had student-athletes from football, volleyball, hockey, baseball and the spirit squad participate as well as head football coach Jerry Kill and athletics support staff.

Minnesota wide receiver Connor Cosgrove, who is battling leukemia, conceptualized the idea and immediately got his teammates to shave their heads for the cause. Senior setter Mia Tabberson of the volleyball team also shaved her head. In addition, assistant director to Student-Athlete Welfare Anissa Lightner, who works closely with Gopher student athletes in community relations and charitable giving, also shaved her head.

The football team and Tabberson inspired members of the Gopher men's hockey and baseball teams to shave their heads as well. Baseball's own pitching coach Todd Oakes was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and is currently cancer free. They shaved their heads in honor of him.

At this point, Gopher Athletics has raised more than $23,000 toward pediatric cancer research. Tabberson and Lightner raised $12,000 on their own with help of the Gopher volleyball match on Sunday as they collected donations at the doors and t-shirt sales.